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Serenity gave the doctor another discomfited shrug. “As well as we could be, considering we didn’t really grow up together.”

“Is that why then,” he asked quietly, “you’ve always come to our meetings alone, even though I’ve told you I’d appreciate meeting any member of your family?”

A slow nod. “But it’s not their fault, Doctor. I was never...I’m not really a part of their family, and it’s unfair to force them to treat me like I am when I’m not.”

“What about friends? I told you I’d like to meet any friend of yours if possible.”

Serenity shook her head. “I have friends, but not the type I could invite to...this.”

The doctor raised a brow. “Not a single one?”

Another shake of her head.

Because of how she looks probably, the doctor thought, and because of how famous she is now. This made him remember the very cause of Serenity’s sudden surge in popularity, and he asked slowly, “What about your sister’s boyfriend—-”

“He’s not her boyfriend yet,” she blurted out.

“Is he not?” The doctor kept his voice bland.

“No. He’s not. The press makes it seem like he is, but he’s not. He’s never confirmed or denied it, so it’s...it’s bad to assume things. Right?”

“Of course.” He wondered if Serenity knew how defensive she sounded. “This man, Willem de Konigh—-he’s still dating your sister? I’m asking because I’d like to know how much he figures in your life.”

“They go out occasionally.” Just saying the words hurt.

“That’s the only time you see him then?”

She shook her head. “I’m working again as an intern at his company.”

“I see. And how is he, as a person, an employer, a friend?”

Serenity’s eyes shone. “He’s an incredible person, Doctor. You won’t believe how smart he is, how kind he is. He’s...everything.”

“Ah.” And now, the doctor was really beginning to see. But before he could ask another question about the billionaire, a knock on the door interrupted him, and Dr. Fergus frowned. “Are you expecting anyone, Serenity?”

“No, Doctor.”

Still frowning, he stood up and, opening the door, the doctor was stunned to find himself face to face with Willem de Konigh in the flesh.

“Mr. de Konigh?”

Serenity jerked in her seat.

Willem smiled politely. “I believe this meeting requires a personal friend of Ms. Raleigh to attend?”

When the doctor came back to the room, he was not alone, and Serenity stared wide-eyed as Willem gracefully lowered himself into the space next to her on the couch. “W-Willem?”

He murmured under his breath, “You didn’t really think I wouldn’t ever find out about this, did you?”

Serenity was unable to answer, with the doctor taking his place before them.

“Thank you for joining us, Mr. de Konigh.”

“It’s my pleasure, Doctor, and please call me Willem.”

“Willem it is then. Before anything else, I’d like you to know that this conversation will be recorded in its entirety, but everything will of course be protected by confidentiality laws.”

“Of course.”